Patients Stories

Chip Hogan

Chip Hogan On October 2, 2011, I had just sat down in my den to watch the Dallas Cowboy football game when a I got a sudden terrible headache. I sat up to the edge of my chair to go to the kitchen and get some aspirin and I could not move any farther. After my son-in-law attempted to help me stand, I fell to the floor and discovered that I was paralyzed on the left side of my body. Ambulance called, I was transported to Spohn Memorial Shoreline. The Drs. discovered that I was suffering from an AVM, ( Ateriovenous malformation cerebral ), on the right front lobe of my brain that had ruptured and was bleeding.

After tests were completed and I was stabilized, ( I never lost consciousness ), the Dr. called “Haloflight” to transport me to San Antonio Methodist hospital where they have a neurosurgeon, Dr. Vardiman, who specializes in AVMs. From what I remember and was told by family members, the Haloflight crew was very professional and extremely efficient. I am familiar with helicopters and this “Haloflight” helicopter sounded like one ticked off chainsaw in the air. I don’t know how fast it travels, but before I knew it the pilot was dropping the collective and we were descending. It only took about 30 minutes for the transport. There is not a doubt in my mind that by the grace of God and Haloflight with the team of specialists on board, my life was saved. Today, 2 1/2 years later, I’m still here and living life. Thank you “Haloflight” !